FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
Friday, April 16, 2021
Contact: Camilla Feibelman, camilla.feibelman@sierraclub.org, 505.715.8388

 NM Environmental Groups Praises Haaland’s Secretarial Orders on Climate, Energy 

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  Interior Secretary Haaland today issued two executive orders prioritizing action on climate change and revoking Trump administration policies promoting fossil fuel development over the health of communities and the outdoors. The orders ensure that the social cost of carbon and other climate pollution is considered in decision making, and instructs agencies within the Department of the Interior not to adhere to the Trump-era regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). They also focus on economic justice and a just transition for communities most reliant on fossil fuels. 

In response NM Environmental Groups issued the following statements. 

“The age of Trump’s devastating energy dominance regime is over.  Secretary Haaland is leading the way to justice for people, our communities, the climate, our air and our water. Centering tribal consultation, public participation, science and the social cost of carbon are key steps to ensuring a habitable planet for ourselves and future generations.”
Camilla Feibelman, Director, Sierra Club – Rio Grande Chapter

“Today’s orders represent a strong first step for Sec. Haaland and the Biden administration in their public lands commitment. There is a tremendous amount of work to be done in reviewing Interior policies through the lens of environmental justice and the social cost of carbon, and today’s actions indicate that Secretary Haaland is up to the task.”
Ben Shelton, Political and Policy Director, Conservation Voters New Mexico

“Meaningfully engaging communities that are disproportionately impacted by both climate change and pollution from oil and gas production in decision making is the kind of systemic change needed to move New Mexico forward to a more equitable and just future. We applaud Secretary Haaland’s clear recognition of how critical it is to find solutions and make progress on these pressing issues for New Mexicans.”
Liliana Castillo, deputy director, Climate Advocates Voces Unidas (CAVU)

“It’s refreshing that Sec. Haaland is crafting a visionary and ambitious, forward-leaning purpose for Interior. Sec. Haaland also shows a willingness to harness the National Environmental Policy Act’s power to catalyze positive, public interest-centered action as we navigate interwoven climate, ecological, justice, and economic challenges and opportunities. Sec. Haaland clearly seeks a livable, more just future, and we are eager to help.”
Erik Schlenker-Goodrich, Executive Director, Western Environmental Law Center